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Fire School

Certification Testing

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2026 Written ONLY Testing Date

Only Offered at DSFS Kent Division – TESTING BEGINS AT 09:00

Month1st Dates2nd Date3rd Date
JanuaryTuesday, 01/13/2026Tuesday, 01/27/2026
FebruaryTuesday, 02/10/2026Tuesday, 02/24/2026
MarchTuesday, 03/10/2026Tuesday, 03/24/2026
AprilTuesday, 04/07/2026Tuesday, 04/21/2026
MayTuesday, 05/05/2026Tuesday, 05/19/2026
JuneTuesday, 06/02/2026Tuesday, 06/16/2026Tuesday, 06/30/2026
JulyTuesday, 07/14/2026Tuesday, 07/28/2026
AugustTuesday, 08/04/2026Tuesday, 08/18/2026
SeptemberTuesday, 09/08/2026Tuesday, 09/22/2026
OctoberTuesday, 10/13/2026Tuesday, 10/27/2026
NovemberTuesday, 11/10/2026Tuesday, 11/24/2026
DecemberTuesday, 12/08/2026Tuesday, 12/22/2026

Retesting

Candidates who fail a written exam or practical may contact us to schedule a retest, 14 days after the test date but no later than 2 years after.

There is no cost for the first retest.

Each additional attempt must be made during a regularly scheduled written testing date.

Written Exam Application

2026 Skill Testing Dates – Firefighter I-II & Driver Operator

Only Offered at DSFS Kent Division – TESTING BEGINS AT 09:00

MonthLocationDate/Time
MarchKCDSunday, March 15
JuneKCDSunday, June 7
SeptemberKCDSunday, September 13
NovemberKCDSunday, November 15

Notes Surrounding Certification Testing Challenge Dates

  • To Sign Up for Certification Testing Challenge, complete a Delaware State Fire School Registration form, indicate which discipline you wish to challenge and submit all prerequisite documents to Delaware State Fire School.
  • For Firefighter I & II and Driver Operator certification challenges, written tests can be scheduled on any open testing dates. Skills challenges will be scheduled following successful written test challenges.
    – Any Firefighter I & II written skills, if assigned, will have to be submitted by the desired skills testing challenge date.
  • Submission of the Fire Officer Candidate Skills Packet(s) will be required before registering for a date for written testing.
  • Make-up tests and retests will be allowed on those testing dates a minimum of 14 days after initial testing date.

Certification Testing consists of a written test of 25 to 100 questions depending on the Job Performance Requirements to be covered and be accompanied by skills evaluations.

The number and types of skills required to be completed vary depending on the level of certification being tested and required Job Performance Requirements (JPRs). Some levels held by the Delaware State Fire School may be offered as a challenge, while some levels must be taken in conjunction with a course due to the complexity or types of skills and knowledge required for the cognitive written test.

External training shall be considered toward prerequisite eligibility only upon receipt of a waiver or approval from the Director, or their designee, and must be obtained prior to applying to sit for the examination.

NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2


NFPA 1002 Driver Operator

Pump, Aerial, Tiller, & Rural Water Supply

NFPA 1006 Rescue Levels
Special Course Scheduling

NFPA 1021 Officer Levels
See test center dates
NOTE: Skills due before enrollment for testing

NFPA 1030 Inspector Levels
To Be Scheduled With Scheduled Courses

NFPA 1041 Instructor Levels
With Scheduled Courses
Instructor 1 & 2

NFPA 1072 & 472 Hazardous Materials Levels
Testing Center Dates
See test center dates and may be tested with FF 1 & 2

NFPA 1081 Brigade Levels
Special Training Scheduling Required

NFPA 1091 Traffic Incident Management Personnel
September 28 – KCD with full TIMS class

NFPA 1521 Safety Officer
October 21 – KCD with Safety Officer Course

NFPA 2400 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
With Scheduled Courses
Visual Observer and Pilot-in-Command

NOTE: ALL written tests not associated specifically with a class, including retests, are held on the scheduled dates of the Testing Center. You can see the available dates on the Testing Center Page.

We offer testing in multiple disciplines in one day, if time allows, on testing dates when resources and candidates are available. Multiple tests on one day will be limited to these combinations, and only if candidates meet the prerequisites:

  • NFPA 1072 Awareness & Operations
  • NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2
  • NFPA 1021 Fire Officer 1 & 2
  • NFPA 1002 Driver Operator Aerial & Tiller
  • NFPA 1006 Vehicle Technical Rescuer Awareness, Operations & Technician

A passing grade on BOTH levels of a standard is required to be issued both levels of the standard in these tests.

Additionally, passing grades on both 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations levels are required to complete the Firefighter 1 & 2 written and skills evaluation process

Candidates who do not complete all required skills on a testing date or during the course will need to complete the skills no later than 2 years after the date of successfully passing the written cognitive test and so long it is verified the course was the current version of the standard that the Fire School is accredited. After that time, students will need to restart the process entirely and repeat any necessary testing.

The NFPA® is in the process of a multiyear effort to consolidate numerous, similar standards called the Emergency Response and Responder Safety Consolidation Project. This project will affect some of our offered levels of certification testing, but not others. As these standards become consolidated, and curriculums and test banks are developed, we will be working with the Proboard and IFSAC to update within the required timelines, just like any other certification standard update we have done in the past.

The Standards being consolidated and in the process of adoption by the Delaware State Fire School are:

NFPA 470 – 2020: 472 & 1072
NFPA 1010 – 2024: 1001, 1002, 1003, & 1005
NFPA 1030 – 2024: 1031, 1035, & 1037

Upcoming consolidation:

NFPA 1550 – 2024: 1521
NFPA 1020 – 2025: 1021 & 1041

Notices will be put out and posted on this page as to what standards and chapters have been adopted, and we list and honor whatever guidance any the NFPA for recognition of prerequisites, similar to the NFPA 472 certifications as being equivalent to NFPA 1072 requirements for those levels. More information can be found at the link above.

DSFS Standard Levels Information

The Delaware State Fire School is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) to offer certification in the following:

Click on the Standard Level to access certification information (if available).

Firefighter I & II

  • Written $250 in-state, $500 out-of-state and unaffiliated
  • Must be challenged with Firefighter II
  • Passing of written testing MUST be successful before scheduling skills evaluation.
  • Firefighter 1 & 2 Challenge Registration – Firefighter I-II Challenge Registration Packet
  • Prerequisite: documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.
    • 16 years of age
    • DSFS Core Classes of Basic Firefighting Skills, Structural Firefighting Skills, Vehicle Rescue, and HazMat Response Skills or Firefighter I-II
    • NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations
    • Current AHA First Aid (or equivalent) or higher
    • Current CPR
    • ICS 100, 200 , 700, & 800

Candidates requiring current 1st Aid and BLS CPR/AED to meet the EMS Requirements may attend a course held at DSFS. Candidates may do one or both that are needed. Visit our CPR AED Training page for more information and dates.

Note: Must challenge both NFPA 1010 Firefighter I and II if applying to challenge Firefighter I. Out-of-state equivalencies MUST be approved before being scheduled for testing. Time should be allowed for submission of applicable courses and time for review.

STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 8th Edition
Firefighter 1 and 2 Skills Guide

Firefighter II

  • Written $150 in-state, $300 out-of-state and unaffiliated
  • Passing of written testing MUST be successful before scheduling skills evaluation.
  • Firefighter 1 & 2 Challenge Application
  • Prerequisite: documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.
    • 16 years of age
    • The training listed above under Firefighter I (or equivalent) or NFPA Firefighter I
    • NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations
    • DSFS Vehicle Rescue and DSFS Hazardous Materials Response Skills
    • Current AHA First Aid (or equivalent) or higher
    • Current CPR
    • ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800.

Candidates requiring current 1st Aid and BLS CPR/AED to meet the EMS Requirements may attend a course held at DSFS. Candidates may do one or both that are needed. Visit our CPR AED Training page for more information and dates.

STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 8th Edition
Firefighter 1 and 2 Skills Guide

NOTE: ALL Driver Operator Candidates must have access and permission to use the vehicle for the level being tested and be permitted to drive on normal roads for the road course skill station.

Driver Operator  – Pumper

  • Written $200 in-state, $350 out-of-state and unaffiliated
  • Driver Operator Challenge Application
  • Prerequisite: documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.
    • MUST be an Approved driver/driver trainee of sponsoring affiliation’s apparatus for level being tested.
    • DSFS Driver Operator Course recommended.


STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition
Driver Operator Pumper Skills Sheets (to be added)

  • Driver/Operator – Aerial
  • Written $200 in-state, $350 out-of-state and unaffiliated
  • Driver Operator Challenge Application
  • Prerequisite:  documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.   
    • NFPA Firefighter I
    • MUST be an Approved driver/driver trainee of sponsoring affiliation’s apparatus for the level being tested.
  • STUDY MATERIALS:
  • IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition
  • Driver Operator Aerial Skills Sheets (to be added)
  • Driver/Operator – Tiller
  • Written $200 in-state, $350 out-of-state and unaffiliated
  • Driver Operator Challenge Application
  • Prerequisite:    
    • NFPA Firefighter I and NFPA Driver Operator – Aerial (DO Aerial may be tested at the same time).
    • MUST be an Approved driver/driver trainee of the sponsoring affiliation’s apparatus for the level being tested.
  • STUDY MATERIALS:
  • IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition
  • Driver Operator Tiller Skills Sheets (to be added)

Driver/Operator – Mobile Water Supply

  • Written $200 in-state, $350 out-of-state and unaffiliated
  • Driver Operator Challenge Application
  • Prerequisite: documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.   
    • 18 Years of Age
    • MUST be an Approved driver/driver trainee of sponsoring affiliation’s apparatus for the level being tested.
    • DSFS Driver Operator Course recommended.
  • MUST have access to drive and operate an apparatus that is capable of mobile water supply (Tanker or Water Tender) to be used on the testing date. The apparatus must have more than 1,500 gallons of water and be capable of drafting and have the ability to quick dump to fill a portable tank.
  • STUDY MATERIALS:
  • IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition
  • Driver Operator Mobile Water Supply Skills Sheets (to be added)

Rope Rescue Technician Level 1 & 2

  • Special Class Scheduling Required
  • Prerequisite:   documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.
    • 18 years of age
    • Current EMR or higher
    • Current CPR
    • NFPA Rescue Core Requirements – Available with course
  • Contact Us

Confined Space Rescue Technician Level 1 & 2

  • Special Class Scheduling Required
  • Prerequisite:  documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.
    • 18 years of age
    • Current EMR or higher
    • Current CPR
    • NFPA Rescue Core Requirements – Available with course
  • Contact Us

Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician

  • Included in DSFS Vehicle Rescue Course
  • Prerequisite: documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.   
    • Completion of DSFS Vehicle Rescue Course (Program since Fall 2023).
  • STUDY MATERIALS:
  • Jones and Bartlett Vehicle Rescue and Extrication: Principles and Practice, 2nd Second Edition
  • Contact Us
  • Fire Officer I
  • Written $200 in-state, $400 out-of-state/unaffiliated
  • Prerequisite: documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.
    • 18 years of age
    • NFPA Firefighter II
    • NFPA Instructor I
  • Submission of written skills IS REQUIRED before scheduling written testing.
  • STUDY MATERIALS:
  • IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Company Office, 6th Edition
  • Fire Officer I Candidate Skills Packet – Fire Officer 1 Written Skills Portion of Challenge Handbook
  • Fire Officer II
  • Written $200 in-state, $400 out-of-state/unaffiliated
  • Prerequisite: documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.   
    • 18 years of age
    • NFPA Fire Officer I
  • Submission of written skills IS REQUIRED before scheduling written testing.
  • STUDY MATERIALS:
  • IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Company Office, 6th Edition
  • Fire Officer II Candidate Skills Packet – Fire Officer 2 Written Skills Portion of Challenge Handbook

Fire Officer III

  • Written $200 in-state, $400 out-of-state/unaffiliated
  • Prerequisite: documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.     
    • 18 years of age
    • NFPA Fire Officer II
  • Submission of written skills IS REQUIRED before scheduling written testing.
  • STUDY MATERIALS:
  • IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Chief Officer, 4th Edition
  • Fire Officer III Candidate Skills Packet – Fire Officer 3 Written Skills Portion of Challenge Handbook
  • Fire Officer IV
  • Written $200 in-state, $400 out-of-state/unaffiliated
  • Prerequisite: documents proving prerequisite certification must be submitted with registration form.   
    • 18 years of age
    • NFPA Fire Officer III
  • Submission of written skills IS REQUIRED before scheduling written testing.
  • STUDY MATERIALS:
  • IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Chief Officer, 4th Edition
  • Fire Officer IV Candidate Skills Packet – Fire Officer 4 Written Skills Portion of Challenge Handbook

Fire Instructor I
Scheduled DSFS Class only, See Course Catalog
Prerequisite:    18 years of age, DSFS Fire Instructor 1 Course, High School Graduate or Equivalent
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 9th Edition

Fire Instructor II
Scheduled DSFS Class only, See Course Catalog
Prerequisite:   18 years of age, DSFS Fire Instructor 2 Course, NFPA Fire Instructor I
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 9th Edition

Hazardous Materials – Awareness
Written $50 in-state, $100 out-of-state and unaffiliated

Prerequisite:   14 years of age, DSFS Hazardous Materials Awareness Class or NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness Course (accepted upon approval by Director).
Testing is also offered during our Basic Firefighting Skills and EMT classes
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 8th Edition or IFSTA Hazardous Materials for the First Responder 6th Edition

Hazardous Materials – Operations
Written $75 in-state, $150 out-of-state and unaffiliated

Prerequisite:    15 years of age, DSFS HazMat Response Skills, DSFS Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations Course, or NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations Course (accepted upon approval by Director) *See Note Below
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 8th Edition or IFSTA Hazardous Materials for the First Responder 6th Edition

Hazardous Materials – Awareness and Operations
Written $50 in-state, $100 out-of-state/unaffiliated

Hazardous Materials – Technician
Scheduled DSFS Class only, See Course Catalog

Prerequisite:    18 years of age, NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations Certification *See Note Below
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Essentials IFSTA Hazardous Materials Technician 6th Edition

Hazardous Materials – Incident Commander
Scheduled DSFS testing only
Prerequisite:    18 years of age, NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations Certification *See Note Below
Contact Us
STUDY MATERIALS:
Jones and Bartlett Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident, 4th Edition

Hazardous Materials Branch Officer – Contact Us
Special DSFS Class or In-service
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Hazardous Materials Technician *See Note Below

Hazardous Materials Safety Officer – Contact Us
Special DSFS Class or In-service
Prerequisite:  18 years of age, NFPA Hazardous Materials Officer, NFPA Incident Safety Officer 
*See Note Below

Incipient Brigade
Special Class Scheduling Required
Prerequisite:   18 years of age, NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness, Industrial Brigade Employee (Special Class)
Contact Us

Advanced Exterior Brigade
Special Class Scheduling Required
Prerequisite:   18 years of age, NFPA Incipient Brigade, Industrial Brigade Employee (Special Class)
Contact Us

Traffic Incident Management Personnel (with TIMS course)
Free to in-state and out-of-state
Prerequisite:  At least 14 years of age, attendance of Traffic Incident Management course

Incident Safety Officer
$150 in-state, $300 out-of-state/unaffiliated
Prerequisite:  18 years of age, NFPA Fire Officer I, current First Aid or higher EMS Certification and CPR Cards
STUDY MATERIALS:
Jones and Bartlett Fire Department Incident Safety Officer, 3rd Edition

Small Unmanned  Aircraft Systems – Visual Observer

See Course Catalog
Prerequisite:  At least 14 years of age
Small Unmanned  Aircraft Systems – Remote Pilot In Command
 See Course Catalog
Prerequisite:  At least 14 years of age

*Levels within NFPA 472 and 1072 shall be accepted were needed as prerequisites and when shown as the equivalent after the transition to NFPA 470 has been completed for those levels with our accrediting agencies.

**NFPA 1001, 1002, 1003 and 1005 shall be accepted were needed as prerequisites and when shown as the equivalent after the transition to NFPA 1010 has been completed for those levels with our accrediting agencies.

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